Android holds majority of the market share when it comes to the operating systems (OS) of smart phones worldwide. Android is the brainchild of Google, and is based on the Linux platform. iOS is the operating system by Apple, and drives the popular iPhone. There are a number of other operating systems found on the market today, including but not limited to the blackberry OS, Symbian, Bada, and Windows.
Let's consider how the two premium operating systems (i.e. Android and iPhone) compare.
SOFTWARE COMPARISON
Cloud Services
Being a product of Google, Android was developed with the intention of cloud computing, and integration in mind. Android therefore has a natural ability to merge data from Google services on the web into your Android powered device. iOS on the other hand, has recently introduced their cloud service, and is said to still be experiencing some teething problems. Despite this, iCloud is expected to sync photos, videos, contacts, and more to all devices that are connected and logged into the cloud.
Social networking integration has become an essential part of any operating system. Having been based on an open Linux platform, app developers are able to design applications (such as Facebook, Twitter, Linked, Whatsapp etc) that integrate with the core of the operating system, allowing posting options in menus throughout the OS. iOS has recently integrated twitter into their OS core, while other 3rd party app services are limited to the 3rd party app itself.
With more core OS flexibility and better overall cloud integration, Android is a clear winner here.
App Store / Market
Having pioneered the application store, Apple has a large number of applications available for download. Android being a strong contender, too has a high number of applications available for download in it's Android Market. More and more developers are developing applications for both iOS and Android devices.
The iOS may take this round, as its hugely popular and comprehensive app store takes the lead by sheer quantity.
Customization
The ability to customize home screens, and change the way icons are represented has long been a criticism of iOS. Android has a remarkable ability to control what is displayed on the home screens, by keeping apps separate in an applications section of the operating system.
Widgets is an Android favourite, and makes for a user defined experience.
On customization, Android is the clear winner - no questions asked.
Overall OS performance and functionality
The Android provides the user customization that most users are use to when it comes to desktop computing. This provides for a better multi-tasking feature and more efficient task achievement.
So if Android is more powerful and has better functionality, cloud integration and customization, why choose Apple? Maybe it's the hardware?
HARDWARE COMPARISON
Apple brought on a revolution with the introduction of the iPhone, but how does this device compare now in a market full of competitors just looking for a way to better their competitors.
Samsung has made enormous strides in trying to outperform Apple with a range of competitive products.
Samsung has teamed up with Google, Apple's competitor on the OS front, Android, to provide quite the force and competition against Apple.
Apple has the iPhone, the iPod, the iPad, the Apple TV, the Mac Air, and the iMac
Using Android, Samsung has begun direct competition with Apple in the form of Galaxy Phone, Galaxy Music Player, Galaxy Tab, Google TV. Samsung Laptops run Windows, and may be considered a competition to Apple MAC, as are all windows based laptops.Samsung does not have a direct competitor to the Apple Mac, but instead focuses on components of the desktop PC, including Monitors, Memory, CD/DVD Roms, etc.
Samsung's latest competitor to the iPhone, the Galaxy S2, provides functionality and efficiency unseen from the Apple giant.
By the looks of things, Samsung's Android mobile devices seem better than the Apple iOS mobile devices, but that may still not be enough.
SAMSUNG ANDROID TRUMPS APPLE MOBILE DEVICES. SO WHAT?!
The real question, however, is "Does brand and customer loyalty mean more than functionality and performance?".
Even though Samsung Android Mobile devices have a clear superiority in form and function, brand loyalty and expectation of innovation, leave Apple fans loyal to the brand.
WHERE DOES THE BLACKBERRY FIT IN?
Decent performing Android devices may set you back a good couple of grand, and the superior Apple costs an arm and a leg. This provides a gap for a cheaper alternative.
Blackberry may not be the smartest of the smart phones, but its preloaded, well integrated social apps, and one cost fee for online services, provides an attractive package for communication without the hassle. This option is the perfect package for those who require little setup time, and no cost consideration while socialising via their favourite social networking app, browsing the net, or sending emails. With a large number of South African users opting for the blackberry, communication has evolved. We are fast becoming a BBM nation!
